Biological Sciences |Biological Chemistry| Neuroscience | Biology Minor | Environmental Studies

Major Requirements

Biological Sciences
(nine courses in Biology (applies to students entering the College fall of 2008 to present), seven of which must be taken at Wellesley;
including one 300-level laboratory course; two courses in Chemistry)

Introductory Biology

111 and 110*

Intermediate Level Biology

Four courses, with at least one from each of the following three groups:

Group I:		Cellular Biology 206, 216, 219, 220, 222
Group II:		Systems Biology 203, 207, 213, 208
Group III:		Community Biology 201, 202, 209, 210

can not include Independent Research ( 250, 250H)

Upper Level Biology

At least two units at the 300 level
Cannot include independent research (350, 360/370)
One 300 level course must include a laboratory

Chemistry

Two courses required: Chem 105 or higher

Recommended Courses:

Four courses in chemistry, including 1 semester in organic chemistry
Those applying to graduate school may need to include physical chemistry or biochemistry
Two courses in physics
Two courses in math: statistics, calculus

Independent Research is highly recommended

*or the equivalent (se catalog and/or contact Dept. Chair)

BISC 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, and 109, which do count toward the minimum major in Biological Sciences, fulfill the College distribution requirements for non majors; 108 and 109 as laboratory sciences; 103, 104, 105 and 107 as non laboratory science courses. BISC 109, 111, 198 and 201 fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning overlay course requirement.

For students who entered the College prior to the fall of 2008, a major in Biological Sciences includes: eight biological sciences courses, at least six of which must be taken at Wellesley, plus two units of college chemistry (CHEM 105 or higher). BISC 110 and 111 or their equivalent are required for the major. Four 200-level courses are required, with at least one course from each of the following three groups: cell biology (206, 216, 219, 220); systems biology (203, 207, 213); and community biology (201, 202, [208], 209, 210, 214, 217). A minimum of two 300-level courses are also required for the major. One of these courses, exclusive of 350, 360, or 370, must include laboratory and must be taken at Wellesley. Additional chemistry beyond the two required units is strongly recommended or required for certain 300-level courses. CHEM 221 and 328, and BISC 350, 360, and 370 do not count toward the minimum major.

BISC 107, 108, and 109, which do not count toward the minimum major in biological sciences, do fulfill the College distribution requirements; 108 and 109 as laboratory sciences; 107 as a non laboratory science course. BISC 109, 111, 198, and 201 fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning overlay course requirement.